Conor McGregor, a veteran of epic trilogies, was a keen observer of the recent UFC 320 main event. The Irish superstar watched as Alex Pereira spectacularly reclaimed his light heavyweight title from his rival, Magomed Ankalaev, in a thrilling Saturday night bout.
Their first encounter at UFC 313 in March had seen Ankalaev secure a unanimous decision victory, out-striking the former kickboxing champion over five rounds. However, the rematch at UFC 320 proved to be a stark contrast. Pereira launched an early offensive in Round 1, stunning Ankalaev with a punch before finishing him with ground and pound strikes, securing a dominant win.
Following this decisive result, McGregor took to social media, sending a message to both light heavyweights and hinting that their rivalry might be far from over.
McGregor`s `1-1 Now` Reaction Signals Trilogy Talk
Conor McGregor extended his congratulations to both Pereira and Ankalaev post-fight. On Sunday, he wrote on X: “Congrats Pereira on recovering the rematch. Skill. Will. Determination.”
He continued, “Congrats Ankalaev on having the courage to rematch. Guts. Balls. Honour. 1-1 now @ufc,” emphasizing that the series between Pereira and Ankalaev was now tied.
McGregor`s comment draws a clear parallel to his own fighting history. After his rematch with Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 didn`t go his way, making their series 1-1, McGregor famously pushed for a trilogy fight, which eventually took place months later at UFC 264. Poirier ultimately won that third bout after McGregor suffered a leg injury, securing a 2-1 lead in their rivalry.
The question of an immediate rematch for Ankalaev against Pereira remains open. Meanwhile, potential next opponents for Pereira could include Carlos Ulberg or Jiri Prochazka, both of whom have recently secured impressive knockout victories.
McGregor Expresses Renewed Motivation Following Main Event
Just minutes after Pereira`s inspiring title win, McGregor again turned to X, sharing his personal reflections. “I am motivated beyond belief,” he stated, adding, “Now discipline.”
While McGregor has previously announced that he`s signed to fight Michael Chandler in June, UFC CEO Dana White recently clarified that his much-anticipated return to the octagon is not yet officially confirmed. McGregor, now 37, has not competed professionally in four years.
